Dr. John P. Cole

Medical Director, ForHair Clinic (Atlanta & NYC) — Founder, Cole Instruments — Inventor of the Cole Isolation Technique (CIT®) — ISHRS Golden Follicle Award 2013

About Dr. John Cole

Dr. John P. Cole is one of the most influential surgeons in the history of modern FUE hair transplantation. With over 34 years of cumulative experience, he pioneered total follicular unit hair transplantation and microscopic dissection in 1990 — work that shifted the entire field toward the aesthetically natural results patients expect today. He later refined the FUE technique into his proprietary Cole Isolation Technique (CIT®) around 2003, combining minimal invasiveness, precise depth control, minimal scarring and maximum graft yield.

Beyond his clinical practice, Dr. Cole is the founder of Cole Instruments, whose specialised FUE tools — including the PCID (Programmable Cole Isolation Device) — are used by hair surgeons around the world. His collaboration with HTTC and Dr. Öztan reflects a shared commitment to advancing doctor education and improving patient outcomes through precise instrumentation.

Education

B.S., Chemistry and Biology (Summa Cum Laude) — Mercer University, 1981 (U.S. Army academic scholarship)
M.D. — Medical College of Georgia, 1985
Postgraduate Internal Medicine — University of Missouri

Clinical Practice and Innovation

Began pioneering work in total follicular unit hair transplantation and microscopic dissection — 1990
Developed the proprietary Cole Isolation Technique (CIT®) around 2003, based on Dr. Inaba’s FUE foundations
ForHair clinic locations: Alpharetta/Atlanta (headquarters) and New York City
Specialises in FUE, CIT®, body hair transplantation, scar repair, hair-plug repair and regenerative medicine (stem cells, PRP, topical finasteride)

Cole Instruments — Tool Innovation

Founded Cole Instruments, 2002 — specialised FUE surgical tools including punches with patented depth control
Holds 7 U.S. patents (first patent awarded 1998) plus patents-pending for hair transplant devices
Tools and instruments used by hair surgeons globally, including at HTTC

Board Certification and Society Leadership

Diplomate, American Board of Hair Restoration Surgery (ABHRS) — one of the first surgeons named Diplomate (1998)
ABHRS Board of Directors and Examination Committee — ongoing
ISHRS 10th Annual Scientific Meeting Chairman — Chicago, 2002
ISHRS Newcomer Program Leader — 2000-2001
Chair of 13 major international hair-transplant conferences — more FUE-focused conferences chaired than any other physician
Member: American Medical Society (AMA), American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery (AACS), European Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ESHRS)
Vice President, Academy of Regenerative Medicine and Surgery Society (AIRMES)

Awards and Recognition

ISHRS Golden Follicle Award (2013)
ISHRS Scientific Research Grant and Award
Michelangelo Award — Italian Society of Hair Restoration Surgery
Archimedes Award — Italian Society of Hair Restoration Surgery
DHI (Dermal Hair International Group): Bronze Medal (2000), Gold Medal (2002)
Named among top hair transplant doctors worldwide (L.A. Times special supplement, 2025)

Publications

Numerous peer-reviewed papers and book chapters on hair restoration and regenerative medicine
Currently editing the first textbook on regenerative medicine for hair loss